Hi, I’m Dr. Nicole Christian, but you can call me Nicole.

Ocean Lane is deeply connected to my Caribbean roots and my lifelong love of the ocean. For me, the ocean has always been a place of peace, grounding, and connection—the salt air, the breeze, the rhythm of the water, and the space to simply be. I also think about salt water as something we carry within us. Our tears can hold grief, frustration, relief, laughter, and joy—all parts of being human and, sometimes, part of healing. That spirit is at the heart of Ocean Lane and the kind of space I hope to create for the people I work with.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Counselor Educator with more than 18 years in the counseling profession. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Caldwell University and my PhD in Counseling/Counselor Education and Supervision from Montclair State University, where my academic and research interests included multicultural counseling, identity development, diverse LGBTQ+ populations, and religion and spirituality in counseling. Today, I’m also an adjunct professor at Montclair State, teaching and preparing Master’s-level students to become counselors. My clinical work is culturally responsive, collaborative, and evidence-based, primarily incorporating CBT and REBT while recognizing the cultural, relational, and systemic experiences that shape our lives.

For the past 18 years, I have also worked as a high school counselor and currently serve students in a vocational-technical high school. My experience includes social-emotional counseling, academic support, career exploration, and helping adolescents navigate transitions into high school, college, careers, and adulthood. Throughout my career, I have coordinated Section 504 plans and Intervention & Referral Services, serve as an Anti-Bullying Specialist and LGBTQ+ Pride Club advisor, and facilitated counseling groups for LGBTQ+ students and students navigating academic challenges. These experiences give me a deep understanding of adolescents, families, and school systems that I bring into my clinical work.
And when I’m not working, I love going home to Antigua, spending time near the ocean, traveling, and enjoying the energy of New York City.